Chapter 247
Madison
“It’s not jealousy. It’s an observation.” I speared another scallop. “Have you ever considered that sticking with one person might actually be more satisfying than this endless parade of conquests? That maybe there’s something to be said for knowing someone deeply instead of just physically?”
“And you think you know me deeply?” His voice dropped lower, a challenge in his tone.
“I know enough.” I met his gaze steadily. “I know you hide behind your Playboy reputation because it’s easier than letting anyone see who you really are.”
Alexander leaned back, surprise flickering across his face. “That’s quite the psychoanalysis from someone who agreed to a business arrangement disguised as a relationship.”
“I never claimed to be perfect.” I shrugged, taking another sip of wine. “But at least I’m not afraid of genuine connection.”
“You think I’m afraid?” He laughed, but it didn’t reach his eyes.
“I think you’ve convinced yourself that variety equals freedom when really it’s just another way to avoid vulnerability.”
Alexander twirled his wine glass between his fingers, his expression thoughtful. “Perhaps we should focus on the present rather than psychoanalyzing my past behaviors. What’s done is done.”
“Convenient pivot.”
“Practical one,” he countered. “We’re here now, together. Isn’t that what matters?”
I nodded slowly, wondering if he realized the irony. Our “together” had an expiration date, after which he’d likely return to his rotating door of women. The thought left an unexpected bitter taste in my mouth. When did I start caring about Alexander Knight’s actions after our arrangement ended?
We finished our meal in relative silence. The beef Wellington disappeared from his plate in precise, measured bites. Alexander ate the way he did everything else with controlled intensity. I savored the last of my scallops, chasing the final bite around the plate to capture every drop of the buttery sauce.
“Dessert?” Alexander asked, breaking the silence.
“I couldn’t possibly,” I said, patting my stomach. “Maybe later.”
He nodded and poured more wine into both our glasses. “To London, then.”
“To London,” I echoed, clinking my glass against his.
The wine was rich and complex, warming me from the inside. After the third glass, the edges of the room softened pleasantly, and my earlier irritation faded. Alexander loosened his tie completely, draping it over the back of his chair.
“You should wear blue more often,” he said suddenly. “It suits you.”
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I glanced down at my navy blouse. “I’ll add that to my notes. ‘Wear blue to please Alexander Knight.“”
“I didn’t say it was for me.” His smile was lazy, relaxed. “Though I certainly appreciate the view.”
“Charmer.” I rolled my eyes but couldn’t stop my answering smile.
The chocolate soufflé arrived sometime later, a perfect dome that collapsed deliciously when the waiter poured warm chocolate sauce over it. We shared it directly from the dish, our spoons occasionally battling for the same
bite.
“You’re ruthless with dessert,” Alexander commented, amusement dancing in his eyes.
“Some things are worth fighting for.” I captured a particularly chocolate–laden bite.
By the time we finished, my eyelids were heavy. The time difference and the wine had caught up with me. Alexander noticed, of course. He noticed everything.
“Bed?” he suggested, standing and offering his hand.
I took it, allowing him to pull me to my feet. “Bed sounds perfect.”
The bedroom continued the suite’s theme of understated luxury. A massive king–sized bed dominated the space, piled high with plush pillows and duvet. Floor–to–ceiling windows offered the same stunning view of London at night.
I slipped into the bathroom to complete my nighttime routine, washing away the day’s makeup and changing into… nothing. Alexander preferred me without pajamas anyway. When I emerged, Alexander was already in bed, the sheets pulled to his waist, his chest bare.
“Come here,” he said softly, patting the space beside him.
I slid under the covers, the high–thread–count sheets cool against my skin. Alexander’s arm circled my waist, pulling me against the warm solidity of his chest.
“You smell good,” he murmured against my hair.
“It’s the hotel shampoo.”
“No.” His nose traced along my neck. “It’s you.”
I turned in his arms, facing him. In the dim light filtering through the curtains, his features were softer, less guarded,
“What are you thinking?” he asked.
“That you look different like this. Less CEO, more human.”
His lips quirked. “I am human, Madison. Despite rumors to the contrary.”
“The jury’s still out on that one.”
“Sleep. Tomorrow will be busy.”
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I closed my eyes, letting the gentle rhythm of his breathing lull me into darkness.
Morning arrived with harsh sunlight streaming through gaps in the curtains and the persistent buzzing of Alexander’s phone. I groaned, burying my face deeper into the pillow.
Alexander answered, his voice instantly alert despite the early hour. How did he do that?
I rolled over, watching him sit up, the sheet pooling at his waist. His expression shifted from relaxed to focused as he listened to whoever was on the other end.
“You’re certain?” A pause. “And she’s expected when?” Another pause. “Keep me updated. The moment she returns.”
He ended the call, setting the phone on the nightstand.
“Leo?” I guessed, stretching my arms above my head.
Alexander’s eyes tracked the movement, lingering on my exposed chest before returning to my face. “Yes. Selena isn’t at her house or her office.”
“She’s running?”
“Or simply at work.” He ran a hand through his sleep–mussed hair. “She’s an executive at Thornfield Investments. Leo says she’s been there for almost two years.”
“When is she expected back?”
“That’s the question. Leo has someone watching her house. According to her assistant, she’s in meetings all day, but no one’s seen her at the office either.”
I frowned. “So she could be anywhere.”
“Precisely.” Alexander swung his legs over the side of the bed, standing in one fluid motion. “Leo will call when she returns home.”
“Who else lives there? Maybe we could talk to a roommate or neighbor?”
“According to Leo, she lives alone.” Alexander stretched, muscles rippling across his back. “No roommates, no pets, not even a houseplant.”
“Sounds lonely.”
“Or strategic.” Alexander turned, his expression thoughtful. “Fewer attachments means fewer liabilities.”
“You’d know all about that,” I said before I could stop myself.
Instead of being offended, Alexander laughed. “Touché, Madison.” He headed toward the bathroom. “I’m going to shower. Care to join me?”
“And get distracted for the next hour? I think I’ll pass.” I flopped back onto the pillows. “Some of us need coffee before functioning.”
“Your loss.” He disappeared into the bathroom, and moments later, the sound of running water filled the suite.
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Chapter 248
Sara Lili is a daring romance writer who turns icy landscapes into scenes of fiery passion. She loves crafting hot love stories while embracing the chill of Iceland’s breathtaking cold.
